Lakeland, Fla. – October 16, 2026 -- Florida Southern College dedicated its Army ROTC building in honor of alumnus Lt. Gen. Donald L. Kerrick on Friday, following a gift from Kerrick that funds significant renovations and equipment upgrades for the Moccasin Battalion.
The facility is now the Lt. Gen. Donald L. Kerrick Building. The investment is intended to enhance training facilities and resources for future military officers.
Kerrick's career spans combat, the White House and Dayton
Kerrick graduated from Florida Southern in 1971 and was commissioned a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army. His career included combat assignments in Southeast Asia and Operation Desert Storm. In 2000, he was appointed Deputy National Security Advisor to the President of the United States. He also served on the U.S. Balkans Peacekeeping Delegation, which helped negotiate the Dayton Peace Agreement ending the war in Bosnia.
His decorations include the Defense Distinguished Service Medal, Legion of Merit and Bronze Star Medal. The college has also awarded him its Distinguished Alumni Achievement and an honorary Doctor of Diplomacy degree.
22 high school teams compete in five Raider events Saturday
The second annual Lt. Gen. Donald L. Kerrick JROTC Raider Competition follows on Saturday, Oct. 17, hosted by the Moccasin Battalion. Teams from across Florida will compete in male, female and mixed divisions across five challenges: a 5K run, One Rope Bridge, Cross Country Rescue, Tire Flip and Physical Team Test. Awards will recognize individual challenges and overall performance.
The event also introduces high school cadets to the educational and leadership opportunities in Florida Southern's Army ROTC program. Lt. Col. Harry Dingle, professor of military science, said the competition lets cadets put into practice that leadership is developed through "experience, discipline and the willingness to push beyond perceived limits."
Battalion founded in 1951 counts nine general officers among alumni
Florida Southern's Army ROTC Moccasin Battalion was established in 1951. Its alumni include nine general officers.